Boro reserves beaten comfortably by Newcastle
By Shaun • Oct 22nd, 2008 • Category: Reserves & AcademyA decent sized crowd and a good number of Newcastle fans, all eager to see Joey Barton, were present at Central Avenue in Billingham to see Newcastle reserves beat Boro reserves 4-1 last night.
Yes, Joey Barton did play for Newcastle, almost 80 minutes of the game. Barton was ok, fairly quiet but his touch and passing were quality, but thats enough about him.
Newcastle took the lead after only 4 minutes when James Marwood hit a good low drive past goalkeeper Jason Steele from just outside the area.
Boro could have hit back shortly after when it looked nailed on for Marvin Emnes to score. A cross came over from the right flank, it seemed to take Emnes by surprise but he still got his shot off. Tim Krul made a great close range save spreading his body brilliantly to block the effort. Then Nathan Porritt went close as he beat Krul but saw his shot deflected off the line by a Newcastle defender.
Half time and both sides had played well, had chances and Boro were still in the game. Second half and Newcastle were much more improved, creating a number of chances down the flanks and with a big physical presence up front in Andy Carroll, they had someone to aim for.
Carroll it was who put Newcastle two up, getting on the end of a Godsmark cross and heading past Steele. Boro hit straight back as a forceful Bennett run found Shaun Saiko on the edge of the area, he slipped in Marvin Emnes 15 yards from goal. Emnes looked to be in a good position for a shot, but he decided to pass and his return ball found Richard Smallwood who coolly dinked over Krul to give Boro a way back into the game on the hour mark.
Newcastle’s two goal lead was restored as the impressive Godsmark managed to get a low cross into the Boro box and the unfortunate John Johnson, fresh from making his Boro debut against Chelsea, deflected the ball into his own net.
The result was sealed when a slack pass from Josh Walker was picked up by Godsmark and he raced into the Boro area, cut inside and laid a pass on for Nile Ranger. The young striker cooly finishing past Jason Steele.
In truth it was a poor night for a very young Boro team but there were a few positives. Matty Bates made his comeback from injury and came through the first half unscathed. I was impressed with Smallwood and Saiko in the Boro midfield and Franks and Porritt looked lively on the wings.
The two players I had singled out for scrutiny with the current state of the Boro first team did ok but not enough to convice me they should be in the first team. Marvin Emnes was played as a lone striker and wasn’t really suited for the role, the Geordie centre halves were able to physically dominate him. He did, however, look a lot better when he was given the ball on the ground in a bit of space and he did set up Boro’s only goal.
Josh Walker impressed me at times and disappointed in others. He is good in the tackle and sometimes his use of the ball and link up play was excellent. Other times, however, his passing was sloppy and he was guilty of giving the ball away too often.
Middlesbrough: Steele; Bates (Corker 46), Hines (Robinson 75), Johnson, Bennett, Franks, Smallwood, Walker (Capt), Saiko, Porritt, Emnes. Unused subs: Filler (gk); Shead, Cronesberry.
Newcastle United: Krul; Edgar (Capt), Kadar (Lough 62), Barton (Inman 80), Tozer, Morris, Godsmark, Doninger, Ranger, Carroll (McCrudden 74), Marwood. Unused subs: Ferguson (gk); Ameobi, McDermott.
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Shaun is A Boro fan and owner of BoroMania.com. Born and brought up in the North East. Favourite players are Juninho, Slaven and David Wheater.
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not surprised newcastle it was men vs boys they have 20/21 playing against a team full of 17-19 that was a major factor, its a learning curve for our youth
for gods sake half of those players for newcastle are about johnson and wheater age
Ranger is a monster, he has a huge physical pressence and also a great leap and a massive burst of pace. Hines did well against him but Johnson looked out of his depth at centre back against two really physical players.
The newcastle back 4 had 3 well build lads, just we never really got after them pace wise. We always seemed to boot the ball in the air which Tozer, Kader and Edgar loved.